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Fear and anger, not age,
separate GOP, Dems

Re: “Democrats’ age problem goes far beyond Biden” (Page A7, May 29).

The mainstream media must drop the myth that Republicans appeal to the young and Democrats are weary old fossils enmired in the past.

Pew Research reports that in the current House of Representatives, Republican representatives have a median age of 57.5, and Democratic representatives have a median age of 57.6. Among first-time representatives, Republicans’ median age is 51.7, while Democrats’ is 50.2. Republican senators’ median age is 64.5, while Democratic senators’ is 66.

Republicans campaign on fear, hatred and resentment and aim their message at White male voters, those men who resent women because they can’t get dates with supermodels or have to compete with non-White and non-male candidates for jobs.

The media flog the “old folks” myth because they are afraid to confront the Republican Party’s methods.

Patricia Coffey
Orinda

Men, women shouldn’t
compete physically

Re: “Athletes could be sharing top spot” (Page A1, May 29).

Being transgender is a reflection of how your brain develops, independent of your body.

If transgender women want to compete with women with female bodies, it should be limited to mental competitions. Yes, transgender boys and girls deserve protection, but they are not entitled to special privileges.

Alan Brooks
Livermore

Altered smog bill still
hurts owners of old cars

Re: “Smog bill gets minor tuneup” (Page A1, May 29).

I’m never disappointed when the demonstratively hypocritical Democrats prove they don’t understand what people asked them to do.

As the owner of a 1983 Nissan 720 4×4, which recently passed the arduous smog test put upon older vehicles, I feel the amendments added to the legislation advocated by Jay Leno are designed not to resolve the issue for the owners of vehicles built before 1990 but are intended to hamstring us. The concern raised about the health risks these older vehicles pose is a smoke screen to make the legislation unhelpful by putting restrictions on people being able to drive their vehicles.

There are no parades for my truck to be part of or car shows it would fit into. New emission parts aren’t being produced for most of these vehicles, so otherwise well-running cars may not be able to meet the ridiculous smog emission requirements to keep them licensed.

Ray Winther
Livermore

Library volunteers
build community

The joys of volunteering at the San Lorenzo Library Bookstore have a wealth of benefits.

Why? Meeting and interacting with people of all ages and cultures who are curious and have a common passion for reading.

Next to my home, gardening and reading, the library is my favorite place to be. The children are the best part of my adventure. Each is offered a free book, toy or stuffed animal. Vicky Tran, bookstore manager and artist-in-residence, is responsible for the environment. She created the original panda logo and creates every bookmark.

Profits from the sales of donated books support library events. Do come join the Eden Friends of the Library.

Phoebe Anne Walkenheimer
San Lorenzo

Humor, satire, protest
can counter Trump

Donald Trump envisions himself as a tough guy. So, he’s throwing himself a military parade for his 79th birthday with tanks and several thousand soldiers, which the Army estimates will cost taxpayers at least $45 million.

But guess what? Activists across the nation are throwing a different kind of party on June 14 — one of joyful defiance.

A coalition of pro-democracy organizations are hosting hundreds of “No Kings” rallies, marches, street circuses and other creative actions across all 50 states. We’re showing up everywhere to protest the absurdity of the MAGA regime and the clowns who lead it. We’re using humor and satire to make it clear that Trump isn’t a strongman or a king, he’s a clown — and we need to kick him out of the show.

Jennifer Huber
El Sobrante

Californians’ wealth
isn’t measured in gold

Re: “How much wealth have Californians amassed?” (Page A1, May 31).

With reference to your article, the sketches representing an approximate equal amount of gold coins vs. cash are somewhat misleading.

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Perhaps a moot point to some, but the wealth of California’s gold is minuscule compared to the wealth represented by cash. If the cash wealth were considered to include bonds, stocks, ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds), derivatives and cryptocurrencies as wealth, my guess is a more accurate depiction of the gold pile would almost be invisible.

At this point, I suggest most Californians think the difference is irrelevant. I’m not sure it will remain that way.

Chris Kniel
Orinda